National Security & Government
Signature Programs
Build your security credentials and stand out in the job market with these signature UChicago programs.
Competitions
May 3-5, 2027 | Register Here
Participate in a Cybersecurity Hackathon, operating in a simulated environment, performing tasks in data protection, network security, and ethical hacking.
Introductory Career Courses
National Security Career Pathways Overview | Week of January 11, 2027: Learn about roles and specializations in the national security industry and what skills are required for success
National Security Sub-Industry Deep Dives and Security Clearances | February 11 & 18, 2027: Deep dives into the details of sub-industries (e.g., defense technology), including an overview of the security clearance process and how new hire’s eligibility for access to classified material is determined
Map Your National Security Recruitment Plan | Week of February 15, 2027: Create tactical plan for securing summer internships, including recruiting readiness programs, technical preparation, and networking. Workshop plans with Career Advancement in live session
Cybersecurity Career Pathways Overview | March 25 & April 1, 2027: Learn about public and private sector cybersecurity roles and how they support national security efforts
Global Cybersecurity Missions | April 12 & 19, 2027: Review how different companies employ cyber professionals to better protect their interests
Specialized Career Courses
The Clearance Process: Obtaining Security Clearances | September 15 & 17, 2026: Understand types of security clearances and process required to adjudicate them
Intelligence Analysis | Monday, September 21, 2026: Prepare students for analytic roles that require a structured way of thinking, processing information, and effectively messaging information for National Security leaders.
Global Overview Workshop| Wednesday, October 7, 2026: Provides students with a broad strategic overview of how emerging technologies and shifting international relations are reshaping the national security landscape.
Defense & Military Affairs | Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Introduce students to career pathways in defense and military affairs, spanning both uniformed service and civilian roles within the Department of Defense and related agencies.
Cybersecurity & Cyber Operations | Monday, November 1, 2026: Explore key roles, required skill sets, and recruiting pathways across government agencies, defense contractors, and civilian organizations hiring cyber professionals.
Interview Prep for Intelligence Careers | Wednesday, November 18, 2026: Prepare students for the unique interview formats encountered in national security recruiting, including behavioral and technical interviews across government and civilian employers.
Briefing Practical | December 2 & 7, 2026: Challenge students to research, produce, and deliver a national security briefing to a panel of senior leaders, simulating one of the most common and high-stakes communication formats in the field.
National Security Government Careers Overview | Wednesday, January 20, 2027: Introduce the various government agencies that support national security to provide awareness of the landscape.
Federal Law Enforcement | Wednesday, January 27, 2027: Review career pathways across federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI, DEA, etc.
Homeland Security & Emergency Management | Tuesday, February 9, 2027: Explore careers focused on protecting the homeland through roles in FEMA, DHS, and related state and local agencies.
Government vs. Civilian Pathways | Wednesday, February 24, 2027: Guide students through the key tradeoffs between pursuing careers in government agencies versus civilian organizations within the national security sector, including differences in culture, compensation, advancement, and mission.
Policy, Think Tanks & Advocacy | Wednesday, March 10, 2027: Introduce students to careers in national security policy, (e.g., think tanks, research institutions, legislative offices, advocacy organizations).
Defense Contracting Overview | Wednesday, April 7, 2027: Provides overview of defense contracting, notable players, development of industries over time, and how defense contractors’ partner with the government to support the national security mission.
Defense Tech & Manufacturing| Wednesday, April 28, 2027: Explore careers at the intersection of national security and the defense industrial base, including roles at major defense contractors and emerging technology firms.
Space & Emerging Technologies | Wednesday, May 12, 2027: Explore the rapidly growing national security careers in space, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Interview Prep for Defense Tech Careers | Monday, May 17, 2027: Prepares students for unique interview formats encountered in defense tech recruiting, intersecting technical knowledge, government structure, and corporate approach to interviewing candidates.